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FORD FOCUS Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 51,244 MOT tests from 4,014 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every FORD FOCUS has the same fault.

FORD FOCUS's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 575/999. The score was calculated from the average of every FORD FOCUS that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the FORD FOCUS.

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Check a Ford Focus before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

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  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A847/999Excellent84,011 miles9,160 vehicles
N/AN/A797/999Very good79,149 miles29,962 vehicles
N/AN/A763/999Very good78,108 miles9,025 vehicles
N/AN/A758/999Very good78,640 miles31,518 vehicles
N/AN/A743/999Very good77,695 miles15,824 vehicles
N/AN/A714/999Very good82,446 miles31,697 vehicles
N/AN/A713/999Very good78,346 miles22,501 vehicles
N/AN/A614/999Good80,035 miles29,685 vehicles
N/AN/A608/999Good86,664 miles34,555 vehicles
N/AN/A571/999Above average86,440 miles28,881 vehicles
N/AN/A564/999Above average80,456 miles29,782 vehicles
N/AN/A533/999Above average81,233 miles24,790 vehicles
N/AN/A511/999Above average107,918 miles596 vehicles
N/AN/A510/999Above average82,964 miles18,040 vehicles
N/AN/A462/999Average84,029 miles15,932 vehicles
N/AN/A453/999Average91,922 miles9,741 vehicles
N/AN/A453/999Average87,172 miles25,363 vehicles
N/AN/A448/999Average85,167 miles4,155 vehicles
N/AN/A447/999Average81,395 miles43,740 vehicles
N/AN/A440/999Average83,912 miles12,667 vehicles
N/AN/A431/999Average85,991 miles11,705 vehicles
N/AN/A428/999Average81,908 miles32,432 vehicles
N/AN/A427/999Average82,316 miles38,219 vehicles

How reliable is the FORD FOCUS?

Based on 51,244 MOT tests from 4,014 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

4,014

MOT tests

51,244

Pass rate

78.8%

Median mileage

85,260 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every FORD FOCUS has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 662 out of 999.

Common FORD FOCUS MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10,771 advisory comments and 1,414 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 1,355 advisory comments and 184 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 981 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 961 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED OR BROKEN (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 935 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 869 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: REAR SUB-FRAME CORRODED BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (5.3.3 (B) (I))

Registration plate condition

VehicleScore MOT data includes 666 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.

What to inspect

Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Example MOT wording: REAR REGISTRATION PLATE DETERIORATED BUT NOT LIKELY TO BE MISREAD (0.1 (B))

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 469 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT POSITION LAMP NOT WORKING (4.2.1 (A) (II))

FORD FOCUS MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
202560—No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2024231100%No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2023535590.9%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2022408490.5%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
20215718589.7%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
202012658685.7%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2019204119784.8%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2018211144886.8%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2017274229685.8%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2016297276783.4%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2015374392583.3%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2014333409179.2%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2013328454876.7%Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2012324482678.3%Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2011304502676%Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2010204362876%Tyre wear, Suspension arm issues
2009207383177.1%Tyre wear, Suspension arm issues
2008151306276.7%Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2007125254677%Tyre wear, Corrosion
200694204477%Tyre wear, Oil leak
20053480676.7%Tyre wear, Corrosion
200453131275.1%Tyre wear, Corrosion
20033064879.8%Tyre wear, Corrosion
20021946078.3%Tyre wear, Corrosion
20011223675.8%Tyre wear, Corrosion
2000613174%Corrosion, Tyre wear
199954877.1%Tyre wear, Corrosion

What to check when buying a used FORD FOCUS

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

  • Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

  • Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

  • Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

  • Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Buying a FORD FOCUS?

Common problems tell you what can affect FORD FOCUSs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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